New year, healthy new you

Published: Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 11:35 a.m. CST

By Nancy Schive

Each January, many Americans make resolutions to be more organized, eat healthfully and lose weight. However, many lose steam along the way and feel defeated. Here are some tips to help make 2013 the year to create a solid plan that sets you up to be successful.

An organized kitchen can save you money and help to de-stress a portion of your life. As you organize:

• You will be less apt to buy duplicates of things you already have.

• You may find that your kitchen is more fun to work in, and it may take less time to make a meal and clean up.

• You will dispose of less food, such as leftovers hidden at the back of the refrigerator or frozen meat left too long that shows signs of freezer burn.

• You may find that you have a plan for dinner, making you less likely to pick up fast food on the way home or order a pizza for delivery.

• You will have your coupons in a special spot, ready to use before they expire.

There is an old saying that states, “There is a place for everything and everything in its place.” Consider making this your motto as you become more organized in 2013.

Eating healthfully and losing weight can be achieved simply by getting back to the basics with realistic, personal goals for eating smarter and moving more.

• Begin by assessing your food choices and lifestyle. Tracking what you eat and drink and how much physical activity you get can help you identify behaviors you want to change.

• Set your goals but break them into smaller, more specific ones. Include a list of realistic changes in your daily routine that will help you to achieve these goals. Keep in mind that your goals should be challenging, but they also should be reachable.

• Make sure the goals you set are measurable. Goals should provide answers to “How much?” or “How many?” so you can easily review and track your progress. Evaluate and update your progress and plan depending on this review. Give yourself enough time to achieve each small goal so you do not become discouraged if you haven’t met them.

• Seek help from a qualified health professional. A registered dietitian is your best source for reliable and current food and nutrition information. An RD also will be able to help you set realistic, measurable goals as well as a plan for achieving them and provide support along the way.